How did you come to be with Henkel?
I studied computer science and then immediately applied for a job at Henkel – it was actually in the classical old way of responding to a newspaper ad. Since then I have been in IT with Henkel, sometimes doing totally different things.

Such as?
I began as a systems engineer in network management. Then I looked after the telephony sector before going out to USA for well over two years. There my job, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, was concerned with the field of Internet security. Back in Düsseldorf I remained in that field, but also became involved in Liaison Management. I am now the departmental representative for the Asia Pacific region, and represent the firm for that region. The time difference would otherwise cause too many problems with meetings and telephone conferences, so it was decided there would be just one person for the region to contact. In addition, I am Manager of IT Security Processes.

What do you like about Henkel?
You only have to look at my career to see that Henkel basically believes in job rotation, and indeed wants it. I have so far changed my work about every two years. That suits me fine, as I can’t imagine myself doing the same job for, say, ten years. I have also very much enjoyed getting to know lots of interesting people and other cultures.

Have you experienced anything very special?
Apart from my stay in USA there was a high point when my team won the HI Excellence Award in 2004. We were looking after converting the Latin America region to VPN (virtual private network), a change that led to marked savings in network costs. Smooth implementation brought us the award, and the international team won a trip to Venice for us all, which was a super experience and a motivating distinction.